Gretzky, Lemieux, Jagr, Selanne, Savard, Sundin, Forsberg, Fleury, Kurri, Housley, Palffy, Salming and Stastny are some of the NHL greats who have worn the JOFA emblem proudly upon their foreheads during some of the highest scoring and most important seasons and careers in NHL history. This blog discusses the JOFA helmet, the different models, who men who wore them, their significance, where to buy and sell them, how to fix and modify them, and why they are icons of hockey excellence.

May 3, 2011

The JOFA 235 51

If the credit of JOFA's popularity was given to one person, it is "The Great One", Wayne Gretzky. He wore a JOFA 235 helmet, an evolution of Jonsson's original VM helmet, throughout his entire career. This helmet did not provide nearly as much protection as the JOFA 366/390 helmets, but it definitely stood out in the same way on the ice; as a symbol of a high-scoring hockey machine.

Here's another look at the JOFA 235, this helmet signed by The Great One himself. Below shows the inside of a JOFA 235 used by Gretzky during his years with the Edmonton Oilers. The original JOFA 235's had minimal padding, similar to that of the original JOFA VM helmet; it was not until later that JOFA used their trademark dual density, heat molded, foam padding.

Surprisingly enough, Gretzky did not receive any notable head injuries during his career regardless of his flimsy head gear. This helmet has no known HECC or CSA certification, and it is no surprise.

Gretzky was not the only one to wear this helmet, it was very popular amongst players throughout the 1980's. His star right wing, Jari Kurri, also sported the JOFA 235; except Kurri wore a visor, possibly influencing Selanne in his style of head gear later on. On the right is a rare photo of young Selanne playing for Team Finland; wearing a JOFA 235 just like his senior, Kurri, although Selanne is instead wearing what seems to be a JOFA 995 visor.

Gretzky and Kurri are possibly the the most dominant scoring force in NHL history. The scoring records they created during their play with the Edmonton Oilers may never be surpassed. So here's to the JOFA 235, the helmet that protected some of the greatest hockey minds to ever play the game.

hello, i am looking for a blue or white jofa 235 (like gretzky wore for his first stanley cup)... I have all of gretzky's oilers stickers for his helmet and i want to create a replica... anyone know where i could find one? i have scoured ebay and the web..

I'm also curious as to what was the difference between the Jofa 235-51 and the Jofa 51-234? I've been looking to get this helmet for a long time now, but don't want to break the bank on getting one. I just found a Jofa 51-234 on eBay with a Kurri style visor on it for around $50 right now. I just want to know if it's a junior size or not. I wear a size Medium helmet and I already have a Jofa 390 and a prototype Jofa 366.